New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday signed bills to expand harassment protection for all public employees, including prohibiting the release of anyone’s employment records in retaliation for speaking up about alleged abuse. “From day one, it has been one of my top priorities to clean up Albany, change a culture of harassment and abuse, and ensure safe, respectful workplaces,” Hochul said. “Everyone has the right to a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and harassment, and I will never stop fighting for gender equity. While there’s more work to be done, I am proud of the steps we are taking to promote safety, dignity, and respect for all New Yorkers,” the governor added. State law had previously excluded personal staff of elected officials and judges from anti-discrimination protection under New York’s Human Rights Law. One bill launches a statewide, toll-free confidential hotline to report sexual harassment in both the pubic …